Amen :)

An update: My little brother, the missionary!

Stephen finally made it to the MTC and I got to take him there! (For the back story, click here.) He flew into Salt Lake City on March 2, I picked it up, and we went shoe shopping, got lunch, and I drove him down to Provo to drop him off. It was pretty funny to see people's reactions at an elder hanging out alone with a girl, though we tried to make it obvious that I was his big sister :) It was really fun for me to visit the MTC again, and since we arrived a little later in the day and he had already been serving, I got to go inside for a bit. Good times!!

A few weeks later, Stephen made it to his first area, Riverton, UT, and last week I got to take him to lunch (his mission president is fine with sibling visits as long as it's in his area and under an hour). He is still as happy as ever to be serving the Lord, and his trainer seems to be a great match for him. It is truly amazing what love and dedication these young men have, even though they are still silly boys.

I continue to be amazed with every visit and email from Stephen. He is so dedicated, so humble, so mature, and he has this incredibly positive perspective on life, service, the gospel of Jesus Christ, and good ol' hard work. What an inspiration!!

Separating the Men from the Boys

It amazes me how guys with college degrees and careers can be so immature. They are so self-focused that they completely miss so many good experiences and friendships. They clam up and avoid people instead of just communicating and dealing with simple conflict. They run from anything remotely resembling commitment, throw their own little pity parties, and make excuses. In their late twenties, early thirties, or even forties and fifties, they are just boys.

However, I have also been so impressed by the men who are pursuing personal goals and working hard, while also taking time to recognize and address the needs of others. They realize that there is more to life than their own perspective and they see the value in serving, strengthening, and lifting others. These are men, and they are of all ages. In fact, I was blown away by the maturity, kindness, and diligence of a young man I met recently, and he is only 18!

It is fascinating to me how wonderful I feel in the presence of some guys, and how frustrated and even insignificant I feel with others. So much is said about the true character of a man by the way he interacts with other people. The difference between a boy and a man is rarely in his age, but in his maturity, demonstrated by the faith, respect, self-lessness, courage, consideration, and love shown in his daily conduct.

For example:



Wow.... the wisdom of a 13-year-old.

Age is relative. I of all people know this well. I just wish more boys would step out of their own heads long enough to recognize the value they can add to the world around them by choosing to become the great men they have every potential to be - regardless of their age.

It's a sign...

Pretty sure my orchid died.

Go figure.


(Don't worry; I'm laughing, not crying.)

"If ever you are tempted to become discouraged or to lose faith, remember those faithful Saints who remained true in Kirtland. Hold on a little longer. You can do this! You are part of a special generation. You were prepared and preserved to live at this important time in the existence of our beautiful planet earth. You have a celestial pedigree and therefore have all the necessary talents to make your life an eternal success story."

--Dieter F. Uchtdorf

It's that time again...

People often make comments about my lovely, thick, naturally red hair, and how men prefer girls with long hair. Well sometimes I just want people to love me for me, and not for my hair. I want my personality to shine, not my locks. I want people to see who I really am, not what everyone else says I should be.

So it is gone, and after a few weeks of getting used to it I love it! I love the surprised looks and comments - it's amazing how the shock of a drastically different do makes boys treat you differently... And I feel sassy again! And refreshed, energized, released, and empowered. Yay for short hair!

A courageous, valiant man and his inspirational message

I think I'm experiencing a little of that vertigo now, but fortunately I know where to look for guidance.